Fatal crash backs up traffic on Ill. Route 394

Deanese Williams-HarrisTribune reporter

A fatal crash on Illinois Route 394 near far south suburban Lynwood snarled traffic for hours Friday night while Illinois State Police investigated.

Police were called to the scene on Ill. Rte. 394 just north of Glenwood-Dyer Road about 5:10 p.m., where one person was killed in the accident involving a truck and an SUV, said an Illinois State Trooper.

Preliminary reports stated a semi-trailer truck was northbound on 394 when it crossed over to the southbound lanes, striking a 1999 Ford Expedition head-on, police said. The Ford caught on fire, killing the driver, who was identified as Mary Lacy, 49, of Lynwood, police said.

The driver of the truck, a Valparaiso, Ind., man, was not injured in the crash, police said.

As of about 9:30 p.m., traffic was blocked on 394 in both directions as the investigation continued, the trooper said. Lanes were expected to reopen within the hour, he said.